Tag: Review

The Columbia base-layer with Omniheat is an excellent option for the cooler nights on the trail. Most backpackers carry a base-layer for cool nights and days with temperatures below their comfort levels. By adding a base layer to your pack, you can remove the need for another pair of warmer pants that will add additional weight for clothing seldom worn during a trip. By using the Columbia Omniheat, you can reduce the additional bulk created by other heavyweight base layers.

The Hennessy Hammock is one of the top manufactured hammocks on the market. The benefit of purchasing the Hennessy Hammock is having all the key features included for your next camping trip. But having the additional features does come out a small price that is well worth it.

The Hennessy Hammock comes in a variety of options such as the ultralight, Explorer and Jungle models that provide Hennessy’s Velcro entry and traditional zipper closure. Included with the Hennessy Hammock is a polyester square rain-fly, ridge-line, no-see-um bug netting, polyester webbing and hammock.

The Levin Solstar Giant, a lot like its smaller brother the Levin Solstar battery bank is a wonderful product. Many times backpacking, I found myself caring heavy battery banks or solar panels. With the Solstar battery bank allows you to bring portable power with you from the start as well as continuously replenish energy with the solar panels. Continue reading Levin: Solstar Giant

The PureGrit 2’s by Brooks are some of the best trail running shoes tested at Hikers Review. The overall fit is found to be all around average for size and fit. In a lot of other comparable trail runners you will find a lot of extra room in the toe box or too narrow.

With a stylish design that is lightweight and durable it provides a high quality shoe at a reasonable price. To help keep the shoe lightweight, Brooks used a durable mesh material that provides a breathable but yet flexible toe box. The tread is designed with an aggressive multi-directional pattern to help prevent slipping on any trail surface.

My overall opinion of the shoes is somewhere in the middle. The overall cushioning on the feet as well as stability is great. They can be laced up quickly and you can be running in no time. The Peregrine offers a nice tight fit that allows you to have control while running down the trail. The tread is aggressive enough for any loose or muddy terrain allowing you to exercise and explore in most trail conditions.

Recently, Hikers Review got the opportunity to communicate by e-mail with Kale Klontz from My Trail Company. Mr. Klontz was a key member of the former outdoor equipment company GoLite. In the fall of 2014 GoLite ran into financial difficulties due to poor economic conditions that forced GoLite to file for Chapter 11.

For those that are familiar with the backpacking and hiking scene will recognize the GoLite logo and variety of high quality outdoor equipment. Some of their most popular items offered by GoLite were the Imogene tents, Jam Pack backpacks and the Chrome Dome umbrella. Of which Hikers Review will be releasing product reviews on both Imogene and Chrome Dome umbrellas. We will identify reasonable replacements on our website due to the inability to obtain these items from the former company GoLite.

The hardest thing about the Sawyer mini water to accept is the effectiveness of such a small filter. For years I used the Katadyn Hiker Pro for all my trips, but the drive to lighten my pack inspired me to find new methods for water filtration. That is when I was introduced to the Sawyer mini water filter built into a gravity system.

GoLite offered some of the best products at great prices. When you first start backpacking, you would never think about buying a $300 tent or sleeping bag. But after your first couple nights on the trail you begin want something nicer, warmer and lighter.

The Gregory Baltoro is one of the heavier backpacks available on the market at 6lbs, but makes up for its weight in extreme comfort. When I purchased this pack, I was on the search for a backpack that could handle weights over 50lbs comfortably for longer trips in the backcountry. Not only will it this back carry the weight, it will last the test of time. My wife has owned her Gregory Deva, which has a similar design and has lasted over 10 years with no signs of major wear.

Glacier National Park has over 1 million acres and 700 miles of hiking trails for people of all types to explore. Glacier National Park is located in Northern Montana with the closest airport in Kalispell, Mt.

If you are planning to do some hiking in Glacier National Park there are many trails that are suitable for day hiking that will allow you to see the beauty of this national park. But if you are planning on backcountry camping you are going to need a permit. To apply for a permit visit Glacier National Park website and complete the necessary documentation. Planning a last minute trip is not advised, it will force you to plan around available backcountry campsites, which can lead to long days or undesired routes. When planning your route make sure to consider your transportation. Glacier National Park runs a free shuttle service on the Going to the Sun Road that is convenient for backpackers and day hikers that are trying to travel between the west entrance to the east entrance.